National wheat yield contest honours top farmers

Record 516 entries showcase innovative wheat-growing practices

The National Wheat Yield Contest announced the 2024 winners, with 26 national and 94 state-level recognitions among a record-breaking 516 entries. Celebrating its ninth year, the contest encourages growers to reach for high yields, quality, and profit while trying new wheat management strategies.

The contest introduced a pilot “Digital Yield” category in dryland spring wheat for four northern plains states. "This addition, which offers insights into digital management in wheat production, is expected to be refined for future contests," said National Wheat Foundation Project Manager Anne Osborne.

National Wheat Foundation Chairman Bernard Peterson noted that the new website, along with strong partnerships and favourable spring growing conditions, boosted this year’s interest. “We’re proud of all participants and grateful to our partners who make this contest possible,” Peterson shared.

Winners at the national level will send wheat samples for comprehensive quality analysis, focusing on milling and baking properties. A panel of experts will assess these samples, with top-quality winners announced at the foundation’s Winter Board meeting in Washington, D.C., on January 15.

The contest is supported by notable industry partners, including West Bred, John Deere, BASF, and the U.S. Wheat Associates. These partnerships help sustain the contest’s mission of promoting innovation and excellence in wheat production.

For more information about the contest and a full list of 2024 winners, visit www.wheatcontest.org. Interested parties can also contact Anne Osborne regarding partnership opportunities for the 2025 contest.